November 19, 2004

Chrysler Group to make Electronic Stability Control standard on all SUVs

Auburn Hills, Michigan - The Chrysler Group announced that it will make its Electronic Stability Program (ESP) standard on all of its SUVs in 2006, including several models as early as 2005.

"Electronic Stability Program is one of the many technologies we use to enhance driver control and make the vehicles even safer - we'll be equipping more than 750,000 SUVs within the first full year of implementation," said Eric Ridenour, Executive Vice-President Product Development, Chrysler Group.

DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes Benz invented ESP and was the first company to equip a vehicle with the technology on its Mercedes Benz S-Class in 1995. Since its introduction, ESP was standard on the S-Class. In 1997, the company launched the industry's first SUV with ESP -- the M-Class.

Electronic Stability Program enhances driver control and helps maintain directional stability under all conditions. It provides the greatest benefit in critical driving situations such as turns and is especially valuable when driving on mixed surface conditions such as patchy snow, ice or gravel. If there's a discernible difference between what the driver asks through the steering and the vehicle's path, ESP applies selective braking and throttle input to put the car back onto the driver's intended path.

The system is calibrated to offer safe control of the vehicle under a variety of conditions, and to operate in a manner that is not intrusive in normal or spirited driving.

The ESP system is currently available on Chrysler Crossfire and 300, Dodge Magnum and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

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